Tune in to our weekly program of vintage radio shows, with producer/host Steve Darnall, broadcast live every Saturday from 1 to 5 pm (Central time) on WDCB 90.9 FM in the Chicago area and world-wide on the Internet at www.wdcb.org.
Listen Now to Our Most Recent Broadcast
Click on The Dial To Listen
Each Saturday's program is available on demand for two weeks beginning the following Tuesday. See schedule below.
Listen to the Previous Week's Broadcast
Click on The Dial To Listen
Support for Those Were the Days is provided by our underwriters:
The Framemakers, 10 N. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL; 630-795-1020
Damon Doucet, Attorney at Law, 10024 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 215, Skokie, IL; 847-334-5718
The Audio File Nostalgia Shop, P.O. Box 93, Glenview, IL; 847-759-9288
We thank our underwriters for their support and we urge you to give them your support!
If you have a product or service and would like information about underwriting Those Were the Days, click here.
Spring 2026 Program Highlights
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
A RADIO MENAGERIE
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (12-10-49) starring Charles Russell as the man with the action-packed expense account. Dollar travels to Georgia after someone tries to steal a black leopard from an animal show. Cast: Lawrence Dobkin, Parley Baer, Lynn Allen, William Conrad. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (7-3-47) “The Puppy” starring Paul Sutton as Sgt. Preston, who recalls how a lost puppy played a part in recovering gold that had been stolen during a bank robbery. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min)
RED SKELTON SHOW (2-19-46) With announcer Rod O’Connor, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Gege Pearson, singer Anita Ellis, David Forrester and the Orchestra. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire is devoted to “Stray Animals” with Red as WIlly Lump-Lump and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min)
FORT LARAMIE (6-3-56) “Don’t Kick My Horse” starring Raymond Burr as Capt. Lee Quince, Harry Bartell as Lt. Seiberts, Vic Perrin as Sgt. Gorce. A soldier’s love for his horse causes trouble when his troop is attacked. Cast includes Lawrence Dobkin, Jack Kruschen. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-7-45) With Tommy Bernard as David, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Joseph Kearns, Verna Felton, John Brown, Veola Vonn, the King Sisters, announcer Verne Smith. The Nelsons are surprised when a camel is delivered to the house. International Silver, CBS. (30 min)
ESCAPE (7-10-54) “The Birds” is a radio adaptation of the famous story by Daphne DuMaurier. A small English village finds itself under siege when the birds start to attack. Cast: Ben Wright, Virginia Gregg, Ann Morrison, John Dehner, Anne Whitfield, Paul Frees. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (7-10-49) “The Queen Bee Caper” starring Howard Duff as Sam, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine. Sam investigates a girls’ school where a teacher has been suspected of theft. Cast includes Jeanette Nolan, Cathy Lewis, Verna Felton, Junius Matthews, Lawrence Dobkin, Joseph Kearns. Wildroot Cream Oil, CBS. (28 min)
HALLS OF IVY (10-10-51) Ronald and Benita Colman star as William Todhunter Hall and his wife Victoria, with Herb Butterfield as Mr. Wellman. When Wellman is offended by a student editorial in the campus newspaper, the Halls invite the author to dinner to discuss it. Cast: Hy Averback, Gale Gordon. Announcer is Ken Carpenter. Schlitz Beer, NBC. (29 min)
THE WHISTLER (12-3-47) “The Professor and the Fox” starring John McIntire and Howard McNear, with Bill Forman as the Whistler. A lawyer must win a case for his wealthy client or risk losing control of her finances. Household Finance, CBS. (29 min)
BIRDS EYE OPEN HOUSE (11-1-45) Starring Dinah Shore, with announcer Harry von Zell, Robert Emmet Dolan and the Orchestra and guest Rudy Vallee, who recalls his boyhood days at Yale. Dinah sings “Waiting For the Train to Come In,” “As Long As I Live” and others. Birds Eye Frozen Foods, NBC. (29 min)
STELLA DALLAS (4-25-49) An isolated episode of the series, with Ann Elstner as Stella, Bret Morrison as Paul Wyman, who visits Stella to explain why he doesn’t want his daughter to marry. ZBT Baby Powder, NBC. (13 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (9-7-43) With announcer Bill Goodwin, Mel Blanc as the Happy Postman, singer Jimmy Cash, Felix Mills and the orchestra. When Gracie reads about a husband shortage, she decides to find another wife for George. Swan Soap, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
X MINUS ONE (7-3-56) “Mr. Costello, Hero,” is the story of a passenger on a rocket ship who “collects” voices... and uses them for a purpose. Cast: Wendell Holmes, Bob Hastings, Mandel Kramer, Joe DeSantis, Teri Keane, James Stevens, James Dukas, Raymond Edward Johnson. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (2-6-49) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Principal Conklin, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis. Principal Conklin demands greater efficiency from the faculty of Madison High. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min)
SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (11-11-49) “Body and Soul” starring John Garfield in a radio adaptation of the 1947 film, directed by Robert Rossen. A talented boxer’s life becomes complicated when he meets an unethical promoter. Cast includes Barbara Eiler, Gale Bonney, William Conrad, Steven Dunne. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
YOU BET YOUR LIFE (10-19-49) Groucho Marx hosts this comedy quiz show, with announcer George Fenneman. Couples answer questions about movie stars, farms, and capitals of the world. Elgin-American, NBC. (29 min)
THE SHADOW (2-23-41) “The Chess Club Murders" starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston, with Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margot Lane. The Shadow investigates a pair of murders at the prestigious Chess Club. Ken Roberts announces. Blue Coal, MBS. (29 min)
JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-7-48) With Peggy Lee, Florence Halop as Hotbreath Houlihan, Alan Reed, announcer Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the Orchestra and guest Dorothy Lamour. Jimmy convinces Lamour that she should run for president, with Jimmy as her running mate. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
RADIO’S EASTER BASKET
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (4-3-47) With Bill Goodwin, Mel Blanc, Elvia Allman, Verna Felton, Lurene Tuttle, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra. When George refuses to buy Gracie a new hat for Easter, she calls the Beverly Hills Uplift Society for support. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (29 min)
HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) “One Foot in Heaven,” starring George Brent in a radio adaptation of Hartzell Spence’s story about a Methodist minister who sets up his parsonage in a small Iowa town. Cast includes Ed Begley, Parley Baer. James Hilton hosts; announcer is Frank Goss. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-18-46) Bing Crosby stars, with announcer Ken Carpenter, pianist Eddy Duchin, The Charioteers and guests Trudi Erwin and the Kraft Choral Club. Bing discusses his plans to walk in the Easter Parade and sings “Easter Parade” with Trudi. Kraft, NBC. 30 min)
NBC UNIVERSITY THEATER (4-9-50) “The Nazarene,” a radio adaptation of the historical novel by Sholem Asch. The story of the crucifixion, “told in three parts, in the words of three men.” Narrated by Gayne Whitman, with Lawrence Dobkin, Nestor Paiva, Shepard Menken, Paul Frees, Steven Chase, Frank Gerstle, Whitfield Connor, Peter McCabe, Herbert Rawlinson, Jan Arvan, James Nusser. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min and 36 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-10-55) With Mary Livingston, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Artie Auerbach, Sheldon Leonard, Arthur Q. Bryan. It’s Easter Sunday and Jack and Mary go for a stroll down Wilshire Boulevard. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
DETECTIVES ON THE AIR
SUSPENSE (1-10-48) “The Kandy Tooth” starring Howard Duff as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine in a sequel to The Maltese Falcon. Casper Gutman calls on Spade to find a special tooth, located in a man’s bridgework. With Joseph Kearns as Gutman, Bill Johnstone, Cathy Lewis, Wally Maher, Jay Novello, Jeanette Nolan, Jack Edwards, Sidney Miller, Hans Conried. Robert Montgomery hosts. Sustaining, CBS. (35 min and 24 min) Read the article about Sam Spade and other fictional detectives in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (9-17-49) “The Baton Sinister” starring Gerald Mohr as Marlowe, who is hired to transport a rare and valuable tapestry to Seattle, but finds multiple parties are after it. Cast includes Edgar Barrier, Lawrence Dobkin, Ben Wright. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (7-31-47) “Bright New Star” starring Staats Cotsworth as Casey, with Jan Miner as Anne Williams, John Gibson as Ethelbert. Casey and Anne investigate when the star of a new Broadway show is murdered. Cast includes Roger DeKoven; announcer is Tony Marvin. Anchor Hocking Glass, CBS. (30 min)
NEW ADVENTURES OF MICHAEL SHAYNE (1940s) “The Case of the High-Priced Twins,” starring Jeff Chandler as Shayne. Shayne is hired to find two rare coins that belonged to a lawyer’s late client. Cast includes Paul Frees. Syndicated. (27 min)
THAT HAMMER GUY (4-7-53) Larry Haines stars as Mike Hammer, who investigates after he is accidentally shot by a man wearing saddle shoes. Cast includes Jan Miner. Announcer is Ed Ladd. Sustaining, NBC. (28 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
BILL STERN SPORTS NEWSREEL (1-28-49) The famous sportscaster shares stories about the invention of ice skating and the tale of a rivalry. Guest is Jerry Colonna, who tells a story about a prizefighter who became a comedian. Colgate Shave Cream, NBC. (15 min) Read the article about Jerry Colonna in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-7-47) “The Marvelous Barastro” starring Peter Lorre in a radio adaptation of a story by Ben Hecht. A magician plans to do away with a rival who plotted to steal away his blind wife. With Barbara Eiler, Jane Morgan, John Brown, Howard Culver, Russell Thorson. Announcer is Harry Morgan. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min)
GINNY SIMMS SHOW (2-8-46) With announcer Don Wilson, Frank DeVol and the Orchestra, ex-serviceman Don Kemp and guest Jerry Colonna, who sings “Your Father’s Moustache” and performs a sketch with Ginny as his secretary. Ginny sings “One More Dream,” “Slowly” and others. Borden’s, CBS. (30 min)
FRONT PAGE FARRELL (6-2-49) An isolated episode of the series, with Staats Cotsworth as David Farrell. Janet Gleason tells David and Sally Farrell about the money her husband owes to racketeer Cy Burdick. Announcer is Ed Fleming. Aero Wax, NBC. (15 min)
STARS OF JAZZ (1958) Jerry Colonna hosts, substituting for Bobby Troup, with singer Barbara Dane and T. Riley and the Saints, who play “Moldy Mambo” and “Back Home in Indiana,” with Colonna joining on trombone. Barbara sings “Cake Walking Blues” and “Good Morning Blues.” AFRTS rebroadcast. (24 min)
TALES OF THE TEXAS RANGERS (9-2-50) “Play for Keeps” starring Joel McCrea as Ranger Jace Pearson, who investigates when a sheriff is murdered following a raid. With Peter Leeds, Byron Kane, Tony Barrett. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
BOB HOPE SHOW (5-22-45) Broadcasting from the Naval Training Center, Samson, NY, with Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Barbara Jo Allen as Vera Vague, Skinnay Ennis and the Orchestra. Jerry sings “Bell Bottom Trousers” and joins Hope for a sketch in which they play smugglers. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
ORSON WELLES, RADIO’S BOY WONDER
COLUMBIA WORKSHOP (4-11-37) “The Fall of the City,” the premiere performance of a radio play by Archibald MacLeish, starring Orson Welles, Burgess Meredith and a cast of two hundred. A city receives a message predicting the coming of a conqueror. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) Read the article about Orson Welles in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
THE SHADOW (3-13-38) “The Silent Avenger” starring Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston, with Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margot Lane. A man on death row vows revenge on those who put him there... including The Shadow. Blue Coal, MBS. (29 min)
MERCURY THEATER ON THE AIR (7-18-38) “Treasure Island,” a radio adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of pirates and buried gold, with Orson Welles as Long John Silver and Arthur Anderson as young Jim Hawkins. Cast includes George Coulouris, Ray Collins, Alfred Shirley, Agnes Moorehead, Eustace Wyatt. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min and 32 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-17-40) With Phil Harris, Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Benny Rubin, Martha Wentworth and guest Orson Welles. Jack is upset at not winning the Academy Award and asks Orson for help in landing dramatic roles. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min)
SUSPENSE (9-23-43) “The Most Dangerous Game,” starring Orson Welles and Keenan Wynn. When a ship goes down, a passenger swims to the island of a big-game hunter seeking the ultimate challenge. With Joseph Kearns as the Man in Black. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 2
OUR 56th ANNIVERSARY SHOW—“Thanks For Listening”
As we celebrate 56 years on the air, we’ll mark the occasion by sharing some highlights from our show’s first 25 years at WDCB. We’ll include moments from past Those Were the Days broadcasts and related events spanning the years from 2001 to the present. Along the way, we’ll hear the voices of TWTD founder and original host Chuck Schaden, long-time announcer Ken Alexander and an assortment of special guests. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY, MAY 9
MOTHER’S DAY
ALAN YOUNG SHOW (5-9-47) With Jim Backus as Hubert Updyke III, Hans Conried as Jonathan, Elvia Allman, Dick Lane, Charlie Cantor, announcer Jimmy Wallington. Alan takes action when Hubert’s mother is chosen as “Typical American Mother” for the tenth consecutive year. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min)
HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (5-10-53) “George Washington’s Mother” is the story of the mother of the man who became the first president of the United States. Lionel Barrymore hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (22 min)
RED SKELTON SHOW (5-6-49) With announcer Rod O’Connor, Lurene Tuttle, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, The Four Knights, David Rose and the Orchestra. Red and his cast get ready for Mother’s Day, with Red appearing as Willy Lump-Lump and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Tide, NBC. (29 min)
LUX RADIO THEATER (1-4-55) “Mother Wore Tights” starring Dan Dailey and Mitzi Gaynor in a radio adaptation of the 1947 film, about a husband and wife who raise a family while touring in vaudeville. With Joan Banks, Isa Ashdown, Jeanine Roose. Irving Cummings hosts; announcer is Ken Carpenter. Lux Soap, CBS. (22 min & 10 min & 15 min)
THIS IS YOUR FBI (1-16-48) ”The Mercenary Mother” starring Stacy Harris as Agent Jim Taylor. The FBI investigates a kidnapping and a couple involved in a “baby black market.” Cast includes Jeff Chandler. Narrated by William Woodson; announcer is Larry Keating. Equitable Life Assurance Society, ABC. (29 min)
LIFE OF RILEY (5-11-46) William Bendix stars as Chester Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, Scott Beckett as Junior, Sharon Douglas as Babs, John Brown as Jim Gillis and Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. Riley is convinced that Junior has forgotten Mother’s Day. Teel, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 16
DIMENSION X (5-20-50) “The Lost Race” is the story of a spaceship that is forced to land after sustaining an accident while in orbit. Cast: Matt Crowley, Roger DeKoven, Joseph Julian. Narrator is Norman Rose. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
OLD GOLD COMEDY THEATRE (2-4-45) “My Favorite Wife,” starring Joel McCrea, Constance Moore and Gail Patrick in a radio adaptation of the 1940s film. A woman who had been declared legally dead after seven years returns just as her husband has married again. Harold Lloyd hosts. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) Read the article about Gail Patrick in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
HOLLYWOOD RADIO THEATER (1940s) “Teddy Battles the Ancients” starring Gail Patrick. A young woman befriends an absent-minded professor of Greek studies and his adopted son. Les Mitchell is host; announcer is Van Des Autels. Cast: Frank Martin, Leone Ledoux, Isabel Randolph, June Martell. Syndicated. (27 min)
DRENE TIME (2-9-47) Starring Don Ameche, Frances Langford and Danny Thomas, with Gale Gordon, Carmen Dragon and the Orchestra, announcer Tobe Reed. Danny is still suffering from mike fright; a decorator comes by the studio; Frances sings “It’s a Good Day” and “Temptation.” Later, the cast performs a Bickersons sketch. Drene Shampoo, NBC. (30 min)
FRONT PAGE DRAMA (4-10-38) “Drama in the Ozarks” is a play based on a story in the American Weekly. An ambitious reporter is sent to the Ozarks on an assignment and reports on the community’s search for a missing dog. Syndicated. (15 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-9-47) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees, with Bill Thompson as the Old-Timer and Horatio K. Boomer, Arthur Q. Bryan as Doc Gamble, Gale Gordon as Foggy Williams, Bea Benaderet as Miss Clarke, announcer Harlow Wilcox, The King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra. Fibber is interviewed for a local newspaper. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29 min)
GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH (1950s) With Pat Buttram, Johnny Bond. Gene sings “Beyond the Hills of Idaho” and “Wishin’” and sings a duet with Pat on “Nobody.” Later, he tells the story of a lady rancher whose cattle were mysteriously poisoned. Syndicated. (24 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 23
A BIG BAND FESTIVAL
ANDY KIRK AND HIS CLOUDS OF JOY (1-29-37) The band with “swing pianist” Mary Lou Williams in a program of melodies from the Trianon Ballroom in Cleveland, with vocals by Pha Terrell. Selections include “You Turned the Tables on Me,” “I Never Slept a Wink Last Night,” “Goodnight My Love,” “Make Believe Ballroom” and “Sepia Jazz.” Sustaining, NBC-Red. (30 min)
THE FORD V-8 REVUE #49 (Recorded March 1936) Featuring Bob Crosby and his Swing Band and the Freshmen Trio. The Crosby Crew plays “There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” “Fidgety Feet,” “I’ll Never Say ‘Never Again’ Again” and others. Announcer are Gene Paul King and Frank Singeiser. Ford Motor Company, Syndicated. (15 min)
MUSIC FROM HOLLYWOOD (8-27-37) A dress rehearsal recording featuring Hal Kemp and his Orchestra, and actress and singing star Alice Faye. Songs include “You Can’t Have Everything,” “That Old Feeling,” “Peckin’” and “Basin Street Blues.” Additional vocals by Skinnay Ennis and Saxie Dowell. Announcer is Carlton KaDell. Chesterfield, CBS. (30 min)
GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-1-39) Early evening broadcast from the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York. Tunes played include “The Lady’s In Love With You,” “Twilight Interlude” and “We Can Live On Love.” Vocals by Marion Hutton, Tex Beneke, Ray Eberle and Glenn Miller. Announcer is Al Robinson. Sustaining, NBC. (14 min)
JUBILEE #8 (1-24-43) Hostess Hattie McDaniel welcomes Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra, Maxine Sullivan, The Charioteers, and Eddie Green and Canada Lee. Sullivan sings “Cow Cow Boogie,” the Charioteers sing “Ride, Red Ride,”; the Lunceford band plays “For Dancers Only” and “It Ain’t What You Do.” Special Service Division (SSD) rebroadcast. (30 min)
JIMMIE LUNCEFORD INTERVIEW (6-27-47) An interview with Jimmie at Dawson’s Music Store in Phoenix, approximately two weeks before his death on July 12. The announcer covers the Lunceford band’s history; Jimmie gives his opinions of his favorite bands and musicians and promotes the band’s performance at the Riverside Ballroom this evening. KPHQ/Phoenix. (14 min)
GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-31-40) A remote broadcast from Frank Dailey’s Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, with vocals by Irene Daye. The Krupa gang plays “Bluebirds In The Moonlight,” “Foo For Two,” “I’ve Got My Eyes On You,” “In the Mood” and others. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON, big band historian and host of WDCB’s Juke Box Saturday Night, who will talk about the big bands and bandleaders of the swing era.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
GANGBUSTERS (3-28-41) “The Nickel and Dime Bandits” is the story of two thieves who pull off a series of small robberies. With Bill Johnstone, Mandel Kramer, Joe Julian. Sloan’s Liniment, NBC. (29 min)
HENRY MORGAN SHOW (6-25-47) With Arnold Stang, The Harmonaires, announcer Charles Irving. Morgan talks about banks and presents a sketch about a veteran seeking a loan; the Coming Attractions Theatre presents a preview of “The Rotten Tomato.” Eversharp, ABC. (29 min)
HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (10-4-59) “Contessa Marie Desmoulins,” starring John Dehner as Paladin, with Ben Wright as Hey Boy, Virginia Gregg as Miss Wong. A wealthy and powerful ranch owner hires Paladin to find her grandson. Cast: Peggy Webber, Sam Edwards, Vic Perrin. Participating sponsors, CBS. (24 min)
LUX RADIO THEATER (2-14-49) “Sitting Pretty” starring Robert Young, Maureen O’Hara and Clifton Webb as Mr. Belvedere, in a radio adaptation of the 1948 film. A young couple hires a self-professed genius as a babysitter for their children. Cast includes Ed Begley, Gale Gordon, Frances Robinson, Donald Randolph, Johnny McGovern, Jeffrey Silver. William Keighley hosts; announcer is John Milton Kennedy. Lux Soap, CBS. (20 min & 22 min & 18 min) Read the article about Clifton Webb in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
STORY OF DR. KILDARE (12-1-50) Lew Ayres is Dr. Kildare, with Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie. A wealthy benefactor enters the hospital for her annual “rest” and tries the patience of the staff. Syndicated. (27 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
RADIO ON JUNE 6, 1944
NBC NEWS (6-6-44, 3:32 am EWT) From London, Edward R. Murrow begins reading Gen. Eisenhower’s Order of the Day, followed later by Gen. Eisenhower’s message to the people of Europe about the invasion of Normandy. NBC. (24 min)
LIGHT OF THE WORLD (6-6-44, 10:15 am EWT) A special episode of this long-running daytime drama for the day of invasion, presenting “stories of man’s faith in God.” General Mills, CBS. (13 min)
KATE SMITH SPEAKS (6-6-44, 12 noon EWT)Broadcasting from New York, with announcer Ted Collins, who has the latest news headlines. Kate has a message for listeners on this day of invasion and urges them to pray for victory. Sure-Jell, CBS. (13 min)
NBC NEWS (6-6-44, 4:00 pm EWT) A brief report on American radio’s efforts to bring war news to the people of occupied countries via shortwave. The broadcast includes the text of Gen. Eisenhower’s message read in eight different languages, as heard by people around the world. NBC. (9 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (6-6-44, 9 pm EWT) With singer Jimmy Cash, Mel Blanc, Elvia Allman, Frank Nelson, Felix Mills and the Orchestra and guest Dinah Shore. Announcer Bill Goodwin starts the show by declaring “this program will be interrupted instantly for any important invasion flashes.” George is depressed until he gets a telegram from Kansas City. Swan Soap, CBS. (29 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-6-44, 9:30 pm EWT) A special broadcast starring Jim and Marian Jordan, with The King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra, announcer Harlow Wilcox. A program of music from the various branches of the armed forces. NBC. (30 min)
PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (6-6-44, 10 pm EWT) The president speaks on the evening of the D-Day invasion and asks the nation to join him in prayer. Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians play “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” NBC. (15 min)
BOB HOPE SHOW (6-6-44, 10;15 pm EWT) Broadcasting from Van Nuys Aerodrome, California, Hope presents an abbreviated program of music from Frances Langford and Stan Kenton and his Orchestra. “No one feels like being funny tonight,” Hope explains. NBC. (14 min)
D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44, 11:30 pm EWT) NBC News tries to pick up a short-wave broadcast from London, the first recording of George Hicks’ eyewitness account of the landing on the beach at Normandy. When technical difficulties interrupt the short-wave broadcast, NBC switches to Chicago for music from Roy Shields and the orchestra. NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
GREEN HORNET (9-24-46) “Underwater Adventure,” starring Bob Hall as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet, with Rollon Parker as Kato. A gang masquerades as a salvage company in order to dig up a strongbox containing stolen money submerged in a harbor. Hal Neal announces. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (6-5-49) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Osgood Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis, Gloria McMillan as Harriet Conklin, Bob Jellison, Hal March, Frank Nelson. Mrs. Davis goes to visit her sister and inadvertently takes the keys for Madison High School with her. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min)
WEIRD CIRCLE (10-29-44) “The Fatal Love Potion,” a radio adaptation of the story by Edward Lytton. The legal guardian of a wealthy young girl is framed for murder by those who want to get their hands on her money. Syndicated. (26 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-6-48) Al Jolson stars, with Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, announcer Ken Carpenter and guest Groucho Marx, who talks about his show You Bet Your Life and tries to sell Al an insurance policy. Al sings “Yacka-Hula-Hickey-Do” and others. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
THE MAN CALLED X (11-25-50) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, with Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeldschmidt. Ken travels to Virginia to find a cryptographer friend who has disappeared and been suspected of treason. Cast includes Parley Baer, Junius Matthews. Participating sponsors, NBC. (29 min)
FIRST NIGHTER (1-29-48) “A Writer in the Family” starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule in a romantic comedy “from the little theater off Times Square.” A writer of Western stories meets a highway surveyor. Cast includes Hugh Studebaker, Paul Frees, Arthur Q. Bryan, Mary Lansing. Announcer is Larry Keating. Campana Products, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
FATHER’S DAY
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-7-45) With announcer Harry von Zell, Billy Gray, Bert Gordon as the Mad Russian, singer Nora Martin, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. In the first of three consecutive programs, trouble arises when Harry enters his newborn son in a baby contest but sends a picture of Eddie by mistake. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min) Read the article about Eddie Cantor in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (2-18-49) Paul Barnes plays detective Jerry Browning (and all of the other roles). An irate father hires Jerry to investigate what appears to have been a fraudulent beauty contest. Syndicated. (8 min)
COSMOPOLITAN PLAYHOUSE (8-27-45) “Father of the Bride” starring Barry Thomson and Joan Alexander. On the eve of his daughter’s wedding, a man recalls the events that led to his impending divorce. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-14-45) With Harry von Zell, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. Eddie and Harry are in jail, awaiting trial for mail fraud. Eddie sings “Swanee.” Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min)
GUNSMOKE (7-20-58) “Marshal Proudfoot” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester Proudfoot, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty. Chester’s father comes to Dodge City, believing his son Is the marshal. AFRTS rebroadcast. (25 min)
QUIZ KIDS (6-16-46) For Father’s Day, the Quiz Kids are joined by their fathers, who answer questions during the second half of the show. Joe Kelly is quizmaster, with Quiz Kids Patrick Conlon, Harve Fishman, Ruth Duskin and Joel Kupperman. Bob Murphy announces. Alka-Seltzer, ABC. (30 min)
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-21-45) With Harry von Zell, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon, Billy Gray, Elvia Allman, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. After Eddie discusses his recent trip to San Francisco, Harry must prove to a woman from the adoption board that he’s a competent father. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-26-49) With Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio, Robert North as Willie, Gale Gordon as Mr. Scott, Jeanine Roose and Anne Whitfield as the Harris daughters. It’s the end of the season and time for Phil to sign a new contract. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
VIC AND SADE (4-15-40) It’s “Radio’s Home Folks,” with Art Van Harvey as Vic, Bill Idelson as Rush, who approaches Vic about a chance to make money by collecting dirt. Crisco, NBC. (13 min)
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (8-4-57) “The Wayward Widow Matter” starring Bob Bailey as the man with the action-packed expense account. Dollar is hired to accompany a widow and her statue on a trip to her lake house. Cast: Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Eric Snowden, Frank Gerstle. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-20-40) With Portland Hoffa, announcer Harry von Zell, The Merry Macs, Wyn Murray, John Brown, Minerva Pious, Peter van Steeden and the Orchestra. Guest is Capt. Charles Knight, famous authority on eagles, who brings his bird Mr. Ramshaw to the studio, resulting in one of the most chaotic broadcasts of Fred’s career. Later, the Mighty Allen Art Players present a parody of the Pot o’ Gold radio show. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (35 min and 25 min)
BOB AND RAY (7-23-59) “Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding present the CBS Radio Network.” Wally Ballou reports from Idlewild Airport; a visit from aerial performer Flaming Bombadine. Columbia Phonographs, CBS. (14 min)
ARCH OBOLER’S PLAYS (4-26-45) “The House I Live In” starring Raymond Massey as the father of a soldier who is missing in action. Cast: Ann Shepherd, Alfred Ryder, Mercedes McCambridge, Hester Sondergaard, Hope Foy. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
SUBSCRIBE RIGHT NOW! CLICK HERE: Nostalgia Digest Magazine
RADIO'S GOLDEN AGE
Our Radio's Golden Age series can be heard every Sunday evening from 6-9 pm Central time on KXEL-AM. See the schedule for Radio's Golden Age in every issue of Nostalgia Digest.
